By Arun Sudhaman

LONDON: Tech company Cisco Systems has consolidated its £600K European PR activity with UK firm Octopus Communications, following a pitch that displaces existing pan-European incumbent Brands2Life.

Octopus already handled Cisco’s UK and Ireland business. Earlier this year, the Holmes Report revealed that Cisco was aiming to appoint a single agency to handle this component, together with its pan-European assignment, and PR for its Webex and Tandberg brands.

Local market activity in continental Europe, however, is not included.

It is understood that in addition to the two incumbents, Text100 and Nelson Bostock also took part in the pitch.

In a statement, Cisco European PR manager Heather Dickinson said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have selected Octopus Communications to lead our combined European and UKI business to business PR for Cisco.  Octopus’ integrated approach to brand communications really stood out and we’re looking forward to working with them at this very exciting time for Cisco.”